In a recent statement, former Finnish Prime Minister Alexander Stubb expressed optimism that Ukraine is winning the war. However, military expert Emil Kastehelmi disagreed strongly during a live interview, emphasizing that he does not share Stubb's optimism. Kastehelmi believes that the best possible outcome for Ukraine would be to retain its sovereignty and some degree of political maneuverability, even in the event of territorial losses. He indicates that Ukraine might have to give up control over certain areas of Eastern Ukraine as part of this rearrangement.

Kastehelmi elaborated on the implications of a potential loss, warning that if Russia were to conquer Ukraine, it could force Ukraine to accept dictated terms, which he considers a far worse outcome. He stresses the importance of understanding that a situation in which Ukraine loses significant territory cannot be defined as a victory, regardless of any retained sovereignty. The expert suggests that some form of loss is inevitable, though the severity of the outcome and the resilience of Ukraine as it rebuilds afterward are crucial factors in determining the country's future.

The discussion reflects ongoing debates about the current state of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, highlighting the complex nature of victory and defeat in wartime scenarios. Kastehelmi’s perspective adds a sobering nuance to the narrative around Ukraine's situation, suggesting that the geopolitical landscape remains precarious, and the war's resolution is fraught with uncertainty and difficult compromises.